Best topper for the money??

I'm looking to add a topper to my DCSB but they are a bit pricey. Opinions on who makes the best topper? Also, I've heard I'll have to beef up my rear suspension to hold the extra weight.
Does that sound right?

 

There are some deep threads on both hard and soft toppers. If you have trouble locating them send me a message and I’ll find them for you.

 

Thanks!

 

"Best" is relative. I have a Leer 100R. Whatever you do, make sure you get the windoors. They are FANTASTIC.

It is true that the leaf springs will need some love to handle all that weight. Replacement leaf packs are the best route as anything you add to the OEM leafs will be a bandaid as they will eventually fail. I am running HD Dakar leaf packs, however, I have a bit more weight than most in the rear. If you need any further assistance with suspension, let me know.

 

I had a Leer on my HiLux, nice top, no real issues with it (other than the headliner separated after many years), but I think the SnugTop I have on my Taco is better overall built. Both were color matched tops with a Yakima rack installed.

 

I think they all make great tops. I like the way the ARE look but for me it would come down to the best price for the money at the time.

 

After looking for a used topper, I finally went all in and bought a Leer MX180. I love the extra height & the bigger rear access door. I second the Windoors. I also added LED lighting & Thule rack system from the factory. I beefed my rear leafs getting a custom pack from a reputable Spring shop. Also added bed stiffeners to keep the composite bed from spreading. No issues & no regrets. Wish I bought it sooner.

 

Some shells info,

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-shell.13598/

 

whichever decent one you can pick up used off CL

 

FWIW I have stock springs and no issues with sagging with my Leer 100xr on the last 5 years. Then again I don't carry a lot of weight in the back generally.

 

I've had an ARE Z series for almost 10 yrs with the stock leaf springs (now the recall replacement springs) and no issues. If you are going to camp and sleep in it a lot, consider the high roof style. Mine is standard and it would be nice to sleep on a raised platform to increase storage area and still have headroom.

 

If you’re going to be building a drawer system back there to store tools or camping gear, new springs could be a good idea. The topper itself with an empty bed doesn’t put too much extra weight on.

 

My cap is made by Leer. 12 years ago when I bought it they offered a "budget" cap with Stellar badging. It was couple hundred less than Leer, but the same thing. I don't even think they do that anymore. Mine weighs 180 lbs and has had no effect on the suspension at all.

If you're looking to save money being patient and looking for used ones is the way to go. I've seen some sell for $200, but you may have to settle for a different color. They still make aluminum caps and I think they look 10X better than the soft tops. They protect your stuff better too. Cost is in the $500 range and they are light enough to put on and take off alone.

 

Same here...no issues at all.

 

Agreed on the windoors...I really wish my Leer 100xr had them. I'd also recommend getting the tracks for a rack and a headliner in the shell.

As for the stock springs, if you're not running a bunch of extra weight (other than the shell) you should be okay, just know that you will be hitting the bumpstops more often than if you didn't have any weight on the bed. I ran mine on stock springs for about 2 years before upgrading to Dakars.

 

I got the ARE cx. I like it It's been good for what I do. I liked it better then all the rest. And yes I had to beef up the rear suspension.. I went with the Alcon full leaf pack.

 

Leer 100XR. My advice is looked for used, you’ll save 50-75% over new.

I had to add rear airbags to compensate for the weight on mine.

 

I like the Snug-Top

 

Reeeeeeeeally happy with my Leer 100x. Sliding windows with screens to keep my doggo cool and safe, front window can slide open or be fully removed for awesome ventilation, carpet deadens sound. Couldn't be happier. I got mine second hand for $600 and it's even the same color. They're out there, just sit and wait for the one you want for the price you like. I have had HD Dakar leaf packs for a while and don't notice the topper at all. I imagine it's pretty noticeable with factory or AAL leaf packs.

 

Okay, I am going to see if I can help with you finding the best value. I just bought my Leer last month. I have owned Snug and a generic brand as well. The shells all varied in their features, fit and finish. But all the shells served my purpose. And the shell market is pretty competitive, so you pay more for the better features.

Everything I am about to say is based on my past experience of 6 different shells over the past 25 years.

1. I was always told they are heavy. A shell weighs about 130 pounds. I have always managed to move and remove them by myself. I have never needed a spring upgrade because of the shell.

2. Used shells sell for less than half of new on CL.

3. Another source is finding a shell at a car dealer on a truck they want to sell. Offer them $500 or less. Dealers will take the money because generally a shell on a used truck reduces it value on the market. Hard to believe that not everyone sees the value of a shell.

4. Look at ATC or other generic brands.